Petersburg students learn about healthy living during Feed VA's 'Day of Action'

John Adam Staff Writer @JohnAdam_PI

Friday

Sep 29, 2017 at 5:48 PMSep 29, 2017 at 8:17 PM

Kindergartners from JEB Stuart Elementary School took part in Feed VA's special Day of Action, as they learned about living a healthy lifestyle.

PETERSBURG — Kindergartners from JEB Stuart Elementary School learned about healthy living yesterday morning, as they took part in Feed VA’s Day of Action at the Petersburg Public Library.

The students spent the morning learning about different aspects of living a healthy lifestyle; those aspects included activities like making a salad, learning about oral health, doing exercises and learning about gardening.

Feed VA is an initiative started by Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, and strives to bring together state and local organizations to better provide access to healthy food.

September 29 was the first Day of Action that the initiative has hosted. According to the Virginia Food Action Network website, various organizations across the Commonwealth hosted events - like the one at the Petersburg Library - to “raise awareness of organizations in Virginia working to increase food access in an effort to improve nutrition and end hunger.”

Over 250 events were hosted by libraries, food banks, schools, farms and nonprofits.

“This is the first day of action, and we wanted to highlight the connection between healthy food and early literacy,” said Pat Caulkins, a volunteer with Healthy Living and Learning Center.

The students from JEB Stuart got a special lesson from Mike Jackson of the nonprofit Think, Then Choose Wisely, which has set up a special garden outside of JEB Stuart Elementary. Jackson was showing the students how different vegetables grow.

Theresa Caldwell, from Fitness Warriors, was leading the students in special exercises in the library lobby.

“I try to show them how to use movement to release energy, but also calm themselves down,” said Caldwell.

In addition to leading the students in stretching and movement exercises, Caldwell also had them get up and dance.

Another station had students make their own salad, using fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

The students also had a story time, and were given the opportunity to apply for library cards. Caulkins noted that 74 percent of the kindergartners returned forms to obtain a library card.

"We hope that encourages the others to come back and get a card later," she said.

Another station taught students about properly taking care of their teeth.

By hosting the event at the local library, Caulkins hopes the Day of Action can help bring awareness to the connection between early education and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"Early literacy is so critical, but if you don't have early health and nutrition, you lose a big opportunity," she said. "All of it is tied together."

•John Adam may be reached at jadam@progress-index.com or 804-722-5172.

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